The fully modern successor to the 190 SL, the new unitary-construction W113 series of SLs debuted as the 230 SL in 1964 and continued through 1971 with the larger-engined 250 SL and 280 SL successors. Its Paul Bracq lines, with crisply tailored fenders, tall headlights, and an innovative hardtop that turned up at the corners—hence its “Pagoda” nickname—became classic in their own time, as did the car’s superior road manners thanks to fully independent suspension with a low-pivot swing axle. It was a fine highway automobile that was also a lot of fun to pilot, and it had excellent durability typical of Mercedes-Benz’s superb engineering.

According to its Mercedes-Benz data card, a copy of which is included in the file, this 250 SL was originally delivered to France on 25 April 1967, and was equipped with the rare, sought-after ZF five-speed manual transmission and 4.08:1 rear axle. It is believed that only 882 “Pagodas” were fitted with this gearbox and only 112 250 SLs were so-delivered from the factory, which makes for a much sportier driving experience. Anecdotal reporting from the car’s past indicates that it was bought new by a US military officer stationed in France, who returned stateside with it to Washington State; he later sold it to a friend, who passed it on to a collector in Fresno, California. After arriving in the Golden State around 1990, it was used as a driver for years, then restored and passed on to a fellow enthusiast.

The car is finished in beautiful rich metallic blue, over an attractive light beige interior, and is equipped with both soft top and a body-color hardtop with chrome garnish moldings. It has been well maintained, and it remains in extremely attractive overall condition. Accompanying is the aforementioned data card copy, as well as an owner’s manual and binder of service and restoration invoices.

Desirably equipped and nicely finished with the five-speed ZF transmission and European-specification headlights, this 250 SL has all that the modern Mercedes-Benz enthusiast admires and desires.